Ecuador striker Valencia is expected to finalise his move from Mexican club Pachuca to Upton Park in the next 24 hours after arriving in London late on Saturday night.

The hopes of Hammers fans last season rested heavily on lone striker Carroll's shoulders following his £15m switch from Liverpool.

But the 25-year-old made just 15 Premier League appearances for Sam Allardyce's side following a stop-start campaign due to injury and suspension.

West Ham wideman Downing believes the arrival of Valencia, who scored three times for his country at the World Cup, can ease the burden on Carroll, along with fellow newboy Mauro Zarate.

Downing said: "For large amounts of last season we played without a striker so we do need options. We can't rely on Andy all season.

ENNER OUT: Valencia is set to leave Mexican side Pachuca imminently [GETTY]

“Andy was the big signing, but he struggled with injuries last season so hopefully the new signings will take the pressure off him a little bit”

Stewart Downing

"Andy was the big signing, but he struggled with injuries last season so hopefully the new signings will take the pressure off him a little bit.

"We need competition for places so if we do get that new signing then he will be a good addition to the squad and it's a big boost for the club.

"It's definitely good to hear there are more signings coming in. It's good for the fans too. They will get excited that they see there are new players coming in. The manager has stressed that they are more players to come.

"If we do get Valencia from what I've seen of him playing he looked a very good player.

"He can nick a goal and it is competition for places. It's what we've needed as we didn't have that last season."

Downing netted a late equaliser to spare West Ham the embarrassment of losing to League Two outfit Stevenage in their opening pre-season friendly on Saturday.